A Brief History of Tournament Games

During times of peace, knights would show off their talents and keep in shape by participating in tournament games. Most often, these were lavish events, lasting for days. Various styles of competitions and sword fighting would be held and the winner was usually declared when there was only one person left standing. The winners were celebrated and showered with praise and awards. People would attend from all around, with the nobles and elite celebrating with huge feasts, music, and dancing. 

 

The ideas of chivalry and courtly love evolved out of the chaos of the early Middle Ages. By the late Middle Ages, courtly valor and honor were held in the highest esteem. One of the ways to prove those attributes in public were to take part in the games. Ladies were particularly sought by the knights at the event. Some of the traditions included collecting a token of esteem from young women in the audience. The ribbon or veil might be worn during a performance to dedicate the event to her.

Medieval tournament games were a show of martial prowess. They evolved out of military training exercises. By their nature, they were violent and many participants were injured or killed, even though precautions were taken to avoid trauma. Because of the violence, various groups banned tournament games at times throughout Europe in the Middle Ages, although they were almost always brought back. They were hugely popular and became a community-wide social affair.

Though tournament games started in England, by the 12^th century they were being held across Europe. Social elite, often kings and lords, held the events, primarily as a show of their financial standing. Typically knights participated, but often nobility or others also took part. While they always maintained a military nature, they eventually evolved to be largely for show. As time passed, the full military weaponry and armor was exchanged for less lethal versions. Special armor was used, to be more decorative and showy. Blunted swords and lances were also used. The stunts and games were deliberately made more extravagant, to excite and stimulate the audience.

If you would like to learn more about tournament games in the Lyndhurst area, visit Medieval Times.